POLICE have launched a nationwide appeal for information in an effort to solve the mystery disappearance of a Bridlington woman.

Although Humberside Police fear 41-year-old Sybil Teresa Appelquist, who may have been missing for up to a year, could be dead, they are desperate for clues to her whereabouts. So far, all local appeals for information have drawn a blank.

Mrs Appelquist, ne Hornby, who lived with her husband John, 49, was found to be missing when police called at their home in Cranbeck Close, in November, last year, on an unrelated matter.

An investigation was launched which saw officers carry out house-to-house inquiries, dig up the back garden at her home, and search other areas, including the grounds of Marton Hall, a restaurant and a former school in nearby Sewerby, where Mr Appelquist had worked and his wife regularly visited. Police believed Mrs Appelquist disappeared as early as spring or summer of 2002.

In February, police arrested a 49-year-old man in connection with her disappearance. He was questioned and later released on police bail.

Anyone who knows anything about her disappearance is urged to phone the incident room on 01377 232561 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Updated: 11:00 Wednesday, April 30, 2003